Sometimes a show idea is so fresh and new that two shows about the same topic get greenlit in the same year. Sometimes by th... Show More »

Sometimes a show idea is so fresh and new that two shows about the same topic get greenlit in the same year. Sometimes by the same network (we're looking at you, NBC). Let's take a look at the classic dueling show match-ups from TV history. « Less

2/18

'State of Affairs' vs. 'Madam Secretary,' 2014:

Both new network dramas are about high-powered Washington women. Katherine He... Show More »

Both new network dramas are about high-powered Washington women. Katherine Heigl is a CIA analyst, while Tea Leoni is a former CIA analyst who now works as the secretary of state. The CBS drama has received a full-season order, while "State of Affairs" premieres Monday, Nov. 17 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on NBC. « Less

3/18

'Halt and Catch Fire' vs. 'Silicon Valley,' 2014:

These two shows are about computer geniuses making their way in the world, ... Show More »

These two shows are about computer geniuses making their way in the world, though HBO's "Silicon Valley" is set in present day, while AMC's "Halt and Catch Fire" is set in 1983. The verdict? Both have been successful, receiving renewals for second seasons in 2015. "Silicon Valle" did earn five Emmy nominations, though. « Less

4/18

'Once Upon a Time' vs. 'Grimm,' 2011:

Both shows got off to good starts ratings-wise, and both shows are actually pretty good... Show More »

Both shows got off to good starts ratings-wise, and both shows are actually pretty good content-wise. Bonus points that they aren't all that similar past the basic premise. We call this a tie and wish them both a long, successful run. « Less

5/18

'The Lying Game' vs. 'Ringer,' 2011:

We had such high hopes for "Ringer," mostly because Sarah Michelle Gellar is Buffy and w... Show More »

We had such high hopes for "Ringer," mostly because Sarah Michelle Gellar is Buffy and we will always love her because of that. Turns out "The Lying Game" is actually the stronger show, though "Ringer" stepped up its game after the first few episodes. We gave the win to "Lying," though neither twin show lasted very long. « Less

6/18

'The Borgias,' 'Camelot,' 'Game of Thrones,' 2011:

"Camelot" only received one season and "The Borgias" only got th... Show More »

"Camelot" only received one season and "The Borgias" only got three. "Game of Thrones" takes the crown. It burst onto the scene to much critical acclaim and fan fervor, earning 13 Emmy nominations for its first season and just growing stronger each year. « Less

7/18

'Downton Abbey' vs. 'Upstairs Downstairs,' 2010:

Both are excellent and make us wish they were on the US at the same time the... Show More »

Both are excellent and make us wish they were on the US at the same time they air in Britain. It's a very satisfying draw. « Less

8/18

'Nurse Jackie' vs. 'HawthoRNe,' 2009:

"HawthoRNe" never really found its audience or its footing, getting canceled after its ... Show More »

"HawthoRNe" never really found its audience or its footing, getting canceled after its third season. "Nurse Jackie" is still going strong, and its more nuanced characters and writing have Edie Falco and Merritt Wever as a perennial award nominee. Edge: "Nurse Jackie." « Less

9/18

'Fringe' vs. 'Eleventh Hour,' 2008:

"Eleventh Hour" never got off the ground, airing only one season. "Fringe," while never a... Show More »

"Eleventh Hour" never got off the ground, airing only one season. "Fringe," while never a ratings juggernaut, stayed on the air due to a small but fervent fanbase. It also happened to be an incredibly good show. Edge: "Fringe." « Less

10/18

'Lipstick Jungle' vs. 'Cashmere Mafia,' 2008:

Both shows were midseason starters and since "Lipstick Jungle" got a second sea... Show More »

Both shows were midseason starters and since "Lipstick Jungle" got a second season, we guess it wins. But really, nobody was a winner with either show. Least of all the viewers. « Less

11/18

'Vanished' vs. 'Kidnapped,' 2006:

Neither show was that great, but we preferred "Kidnapped" due to the presence of Timothy Hu... Show More »

Neither show was that great, but we preferred "Kidnapped" due to the presence of Timothy Hutton and Jeremy Sisto. But it's really six of one, half a dozen of the other. Neither one was on long enough for very many people to notice. « Less

12/18

'30 Rock' vs. 'Studio 60,' 2006:

"30 Rock" wins in a landslide. We love us some Aaron Sorkin, but "Studio 60" could not hold ... Show More »

"30 Rock" wins in a landslide. We love us some Aaron Sorkin, but "Studio 60" could not hold a candle to "Sports Night" or "The West Wing" and was cancelled after one season. "30 Rock" ran for seven seasons and won 16 Emmys, amongst dozens of nominations. « Less

13/18

'Medium' vs. 'Ghost Whisperer,' 2005:

Both shows enjoyed commercial success, as "Medium" ran for seven seasons and "Ghost" ra... Show More »

Both shows enjoyed commercial success, as "Medium" ran for seven seasons and "Ghost" ran for five. But critically, "Medium" was the stronger series. It even earned star Patricia Arquette an Emmy, so we're giving the edge to "Medium." « Less

14/18

'Do Over' vs. 'That Was Then,' 2002:

These shows were both based on a man getting to re-live his adolescence (by being "zappe... Show More »

These shows were both based on a man getting to re-live his adolescence (by being "zapped," "Do Over," or struck by lightning, "That Was Then"). Neither show made it out of Season 1, but "Do Over" wins because it aired 11 episodes to "That Was Then's" two and it also starred "Gossip Girl's" Penn Badgley as the young version of the main character. « Less

15/18

'ER' vs. 'Chicago Hope,' 1994:

"ER" struck gold with a perfect mix of emergency room excitement and compelling characters. "C... Show More »

"ER" struck gold with a perfect mix of emergency room excitement and compelling characters. "Chicago Hope" was a much quieter drama and, while still good, never could quite measure up. "Hope" did run for six seasons, but "ER"? 15. « Less

16/18

'Homicide' vs. 'NYPD Blue,' 1993:

"Homcide" came first by a few months, "Blue" lasted five seasons longer, but both were crit... Show More »

"Homcide" came first by a few months, "Blue" lasted five seasons longer, but both were critically acclaimed and popular with viewers. They were also rather ground-breaking television, paving the way for shows like "The Shield" and "The Wire." We're calling this one a draw. « Less

17/18

'Parker Lewis Can't Lose' vs. 'Ferris Bueller,' 1990:

Surprised you even remember these two? Maybe you don't. "Ferr... Show More »

Surprised you even remember these two? Maybe you don't. "Ferris Bueller" only aired 13 episodes before it was yanked. But "Parker Lewis" ran for three seasons on FOX and then lived on for several years on USA in reruns. Edge: "Parker Lewis," even if the Aniston factor does bump up "Bueller's" cool points. Synchronize swatches! « Less

18/18

'The Munsters' vs. 'The Addams Family,' 1964:

We had no idea these two shows only ran two seasons each. It certainly seems as... Show More »

We had no idea these two shows only ran two seasons each. It certainly seems as though they were on longer. And we can't possibly choose, we love them both. It's a tie. « Less

TV's dueling shows: 'State of Affairs' vs. 'Madam Secretary'

Sometimes a show idea is so fresh and new that two shows about the same topic get greenlit in the same year. Sometimes by the same network (we're looking at you, NBC). Let's take a look at the classic dueling show match-ups from TV history.